10 Natural Ways to Strengthen Your Immune System

There are many ways to strengthen your immune system. They include lifestyle and environmental changes and also changes in consumption habits.

Here are 10 natural ways to strengthen your immune system.

1. Meditation
Research has shown that meditation works by stimulating immune-system brain function regions, according to The Chopra Center. "Since your immune system responds to both negative and positive thoughts, meditation creates a positive mental environment for the immune system to flourish," said Dr. Deepak Chopra.

2. Yoga
Several yoga poses are said to lower the stress hormone cortisol in your system, Shape magazine noted.

3. Cardio Fitness
Exercise can stave off colds, WedMD said, "working to jump-start the immune system." The website added: "With exercise, the number and aggressiveness of certain immune cells, such as the ones called natural killer cells, increase by as much as 50 percent to 300 percent. If you exercise regularly, this temporary increase can help make the immune system more efficient at destroying intruders that cause illness."

7. Quit Smoking
Smoking also suppresses the immune system, according to Livestrong.com. The website noted: "Many cancer-causing chemicals from cigarette smoke travel throughout a smoker’s bloodstream to reach the organs of the body and damage the immune response."

8. Get Exposure to Sunshine
Vitamin D exposure is crucial, and many people don't realize they are deficient, according to Everyday Health. Having too little Vitamin D is connected with heightened risk of respiratory infection.

9. Eat More Garlic
It may be pungent, but garlic has immune boosting properties and antimicrobial qualities. WebMD called garlic "an immunity-boosting superstar."

The information presented on this website is not intended as specific medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical treatment or diagnosis. Read Newsmax Terms and Conditions of Service.